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7. How Traditional Indian Spices Can Enhance Your Keto Recipes

In the ever-evolving landscape of diet and wellness, the ketogenic diet has gained widespread popularity. However, adapting this low-carb, high-fat approach to one's lifestyle can be challenging, especially when it involves distancing oneself from the comfort of traditional, home-cooked meals.

Beyond the cultural connection, traditional Indian spices have the unique ability to enhance the flavour of keto meals. For those accustomed to the rich and diverse tastes of Indian cuisine, bland or unfamiliar dishes can quickly become unappetising. Rahul Kamra, Keto Coach and Founder of Ketorets, shares some keto-friendly recipes infused with these spices to ensure your meals stay both delicious and satisfying.

(Rahul Kamra)

The Golden Spice: Turmeric

Turmeric is an important ingredient in Indian cooking. Curcumin, the molecule that is active in it, is well-known for having strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Turmeric has the potential to be a game-changer for keto dieters. Its anti-inflammatory properties can ease joint discomfort and promote general physical health, which is especially advantageous when your body is becoming used to the ketogenic diet.

It's very simple to include turmeric in your keto dishes. A teaspoon of turmeric can be added to scrambled eggs or keto-friendly soups. The spice gives your food a rich, earthy flavour in addition to adding a lovely golden colour.

Garnish with Fresh Coriander

Coriander is a common garnish item. Adding coriander leaves as a garnish to your keto foods will give them a flavour boost. Due to its subtle flavour, coriander may be used in both savoury and sweet keto recipes. You can also powder the coriander seeds and use them in soups and roasted vegetable toppings. Dietary fibre, antioxidants, and magnesium are abundant in coriander seeds, which aid in the body's detoxification and better digestion.

Enhance the Flavour with Cumin

Another essential ingredient in Indian cookery is cumin seeds, which have a nutty, toasty flavour. Cumin seeds are high in dietary fibre, iron, and magnesium and can help with gut health and digestion, which is important for people following a ketogenic diet. Additionally, cumin regulates blood sugar, which is quite advantageous for people watching their carbohydrate intake. You can use cumin to add flavour to roasted veggies in a variety of keto dishes.

Cardamom: Queen of Spices

Cardamom is known for its sweet, flowery flavour that combines notes of citrus and mint. In addition to being fragrant, this spice has numerous health advantages. It has strong antioxidant qualities, helps with digestion, and combats foul breath. Cardamom can be a delicious addition for people following a ketogenic diet, especially in sweet recipes where sugar is prohibited.

Add cardamom to your bulletproof coffee, keto-friendly baked goods, or even savoury meals like curry with Indian flavours to incorporate it into your keto diet.

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